How to Write a Project Manager Resume (+Examples)

Creating a compelling project manager resume is crucial for advancing in the dynamic field of business. This role demands coordination of cross-functional teams, efficient resource management, and navigating project constraints and stakeholder expectations.

This article guides you through essential strategies to write a standout resume of project manager. We'll cover how to highlight your technical skills and provide tips on showcasing your project successes.

Project manager resume examples

Management is, above all, a practice where art, science, and craft meet.

Henry Mintzberg

Construction project manager resume sample

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IT project manager resume example

David J. Storm

2588 Benson Park Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73128
Email: davidjstorm@email.com
Phone: (362) 365-4567

Summary:

Seasoned IT Project Manager with over 8 years of experience leading complex technology projects in diverse industries. Managed 15+ projects with budgets ranging from $100K to $2M, consistently delivering on time and within budget. Proficient in Agile and Scrum methodologies, with a proven track record of driving successful project outcomes through effective team leadership and stakeholder communication.

Experience:

IT Project Manager

Tech Solutions Inc., Oklahoma City, OK, July 2020 - Present

• Lead cross-functional teams in the planning, execution, and delivery of 15+ IT projects, ranging from software development to infrastructure upgrades.
• Manage project budgets ranging from $100K to $2M, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to budget constraints.
• Utilize Agile and Scrum methodologies to drive project progress, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency.
• Facilitate communication between project teams, clients, and senior management, resulting in a 15% improvement in stakeholder satisfaction.
• Conduct risk assessments, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies, resulting in a 30% reduction in project disruptions and delays.

Senior IT Consultant

CyberTech Solutions, Oklahoma City, OK, September 2018 - June 2020

• Provided strategic IT consulting services to clients in various industries, including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
• Led the implementation of enterprise-wide software solutions, resulting in a 25% increase in operational efficiency.
• Collaborated with clients to define project requirements, develop plans, and establish timelines and deliverables.
• Conducted user training sessions and provided ongoing support to ensure the successful adoption and utilization of implemented IT solutions.

IT Project Coordinator

TechLink Solutions, Oklahoma City, OK, January 2016 - August 2018

• Assisted IT Project Managers in planning, coordinating, and executing IT projects, including scheduling resources, tracking progress, and maintaining documentation.
• Facilitated communication between project teams and stakeholders, resulting in a 20% reduction in communication errors.
• Supported quality assurance efforts by conducting testing, identifying defects, and coordinating resolution with development teams.

Education:

Master of Science in Information Technology Management

University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK

• Graduated: May 2016

Certifications:

• Certified ScrumMaster, Scrum.org, 2021
• ITIL Foundation Certification, Axelos, 2020

Skills:

• Project Planning and Execution
• Agile and Scrum Methodologies
• Budget Management and Cost Control
• Stakeholder Communication and Management
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation
• Team Leadership and Motivation

References:

Available upon request.

Resume formatting

Creating a project manager resume that stands out requires more than just listing your experience and skills. The format, layout, and style of your document play a crucial role in presenting your information professionally.

Here’s how to ensure your resume is both visually appealing and easy to read:

Formatting

• Use professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10-12 point size for the main text. Headers can be slightly larger to stand out.
• Maintain consistent formatting throughout your resume. This includes uniform bullet points, dates, and spacing.
• Use 1-inch margins on all sides and ensure there is enough white space to make the content easy to scan.
• Employ single or 1.15 line spacing within sections and a bit more between them.
• Ideally, your project manager resume should be one to two pages long. Keep it concise and focused on your most relevant experiences and skills.

Layout

• Organize your resume into clear parts: "Professional Summary", "Work Experience", "Skills", "Education", and others.
• Use bullet points to list responsibilities. This format makes it easier for hiring managers to quickly scan your accomplishments.

Style

• Maintain a professional tone within your project manager resume. Use action verbs such as "led", "managed", "developed", and "executed".
• Focus on your achievements rather than just recording job duties. Quantify your accomplishments with metrics (e.g., "Increased project efficiency by 20%").
• Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and to demonstrate your alignment with the job requirements.
• Tailor your resume for each job application. Highlight the most relevant skills and experiences that match the job description.

For those who want to streamline the application creation process, using a resume builder can be extremely helpful.

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Contact information

When listing personal information in a project management resume, it is important to ensure that all relevant data is included. This section of your application is crucial as it provides potential employers with the necessary details to reach you.

Here’s how to fill in your contact information:

1. Full Name

• Position: At the top of your resume, in a larger font than the rest of the text.
• Format: First and last name, and if relevant, add any professional designations (e.g., PMP, MBA).

2. Phone Number

• Primary Contact: Use a mobile number you check frequently.
• Format: Standard format (e.g., (123) 456-7890 or 123-456-7890) for clarity and professionalism.

3. Email

• Content: Utilize a professional email address, ideally consisting of your name (e.g., john.doe@gmail.com).
• Avoid: Nicknames or unprofessional addresses (e.g., partyguy123@hotmail.com).

4. Location

• Residence: Generally, listing your city and state is sufficient (e.g., New York, NY).
• Full Address: Are usually not necessary unless specifically requested by the employer.

5. LinkedIn Profile

• Custom URL: Include a LinkedIn link if available (e.g., linkedin.com/in/johndoe).
• Visibility: Ensure your profile is up to date and reflects your project management resume content.

6. Optional Contact Information

• Personal Website/Portfolio: Attach links to other professional profiles if applicable (e.g., GitHub).

Project manager resume summary

The resume summary for project managers is a critical section at the top of your application that provides a snapshot of your professional background and key qualifications. This summary should highlight your leadership abilities, management skills, and main accomplishments.

Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

1. Start with your title and years of experience. Mention your current or most recent job and the number of years you've been working in project management.
2. Highlight key skills. Include specific abilities and areas of expertise that are relevant to the job you are applying for. These might be project planning, risk management, team leadership, and proficiency with tools.
3. Note significant achievements. Briefly touch on some of your notable accomplishments, particularly those that are quantifiable.
4. Tailor to the job description. Customize the summary to align with the specific job you’re applying for. Do not forget to employ keywords from the job posting.
5. Be concise. Keep your summary to 3-5 sentences. It should provide a quick overview without going into too much detail.

Example 1:

"Seasoned Project Manager with over 10 years of experience leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget. Adept at strategic planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication, with a proven track record of increasing project efficiency by 20% and successfully launching high-impact initiatives. Proficient in MS Project, Asana, and Jira, with a PMP certification and a commitment to continuous improvement."

Example 2:

"Results-driven Project Manager with 8 years of experience managing large-scale IT projects from inception to completion. Skilled in resource allocation, timeline management, and team leadership, with a history of driving projects to exceed client expectations. Experienced in Agile and Scrum methodologies, and proficient in using tools like Trello and Slack to streamline project workflows."

Example 3:

"Dynamic Project Manager with 12 years of experience in the construction industry, specializing in scheduling, cost control, and quality assurance. Recognized for delivering multi-million dollar projects ahead of schedule and under budget, enhancing client relationships, and boosting company profitability. Strong background in using Primavera and AutoCAD for project planning and execution."

Experience

Assembling and ordering work experience information for a project manager resume necessitates adherence to specific protocol for the best possible portrayal of your credentials.

Here’s a structured approach to crafting this section:

1. Start with the Basics

• Clearly state your job title.
• Include the name of the company and its location.
• Provide the month and year for the start and end dates of your employment.

2. Job Description

• Begin with a concise overview of your role and its primary purpose.
• Outline your key responsibilities in the role, focusing on those most relevant to project management.
• Highlight your significant accomplishments, quantifying them whenever possible to demonstrate impact.

Example:

Project Manager

Microsoft, Redmond, WA, January 2020 - Present

• Manage the full project lifecycle, including planning, execution, monitoring, and closure for projects valued at up to $10 million.
• Lead cross-functional teams of up to 25 members, fostering collaboration and ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Act as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, maintaining regular communication to manage expectations and report on progress.
• Implemented process improvements that increased project efficiency by 25%.

Assistant Project Manager

Google, Mountain View, CA, June 2017 - December 2019

• Coordinated project schedules and tracked deliverables to ensure the timely completion of Google Search enhancements.
• Assisted in resource allocation and procurement, maintaining budget adherence for projects worth up to $8 million.
• Maintained comprehensive project documentation, ensuring all phases were well-documented and accessible.
• Facilitated communication with clients to gather requirements and provide project updates.

Project Coordinator

Google, Mountain View, CA, May 2015 - May 2017

• Developed and maintained project schedules, ensuring timely delivery of AWS features and updates.
• Monitored project progress and performance, reporting on status to senior management.
• Coordinated cross-functional teams, including developers, designers, and marketers.
• Assisted in the preparation of project budgets and financial forecasts.

Education

When listing and organizing education information in a project manager resume, it's important to keep the formatting consistent and legible. Education should be listed in reverse chronological order, with the most recent educational experience first and the oldest last.

Include the following details:

• The type of degree you earned (e.g., Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration).
• Your major or concentration (e.g., Project Management, Business Administration).
• The name of the college or university.
• The city and state (or country) of the institution.
• The month and year you graduated.
• Any relevant project management certifications (e.g., PMP, ScrumMaster).
• Honors, awards, or academic achievements (e.g., cum laude, Dean’s List).

Examples

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Project Management

Harvard Business School, Boston, MA

• Graduated: May 2016

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

University of California, Berkeley, CA

• Graduated: May 2012

Certifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, PMI, June 2018
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Scrum Alliance, March 2018

Skills

When crafting a resume for a project manager position, it's crucial to include a balance of hard and soft skills.

The P in PM is as much about "people management" as it is about "project management".

Cornelius Fichtner

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge sets that are typically quantifiable. They are often acquired through education, training, or hands-on experience and are essential for performing certain tasks.

Soft skills are interpersonal or people traits that are harder to measure but are needed for working effectively with others and managing teams. They often pertain to how you interact with colleagues, manage your time, and approach problem-solving.

Additional information

Beyond the standard sections like contact information, summary, experience, education, and skills, there are additional blocks and details you can include on your PM resume to further highlight your qualifications and distinguish yourself from other candidates.

How to write a cover letter

Writing a compelling cover letter is essential to complement your resume and make a strong impression on hiring managers. It's your opportunity to make a memorable first impression and convince people that you're the ideal candidate for the position.

By following a structured approach and tailoring your letter to each job application, you can increase your chances of securing that coveted interview.

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Include your contact information at the top of the project manager cover letter, followed by the employer's contact details. If possible, address it to a specific person. If you don't have a contact name, you can use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager".

Begin your cover letter with a strong opening that grabs the reader's attention. Mention the project manager position you're applying for and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

In the body paragraphs, highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Tailor your content to match the job description and demonstrate how your qualifications align with the company's needs.

Close the letter with a professional sign-off, such as "Sincerely" or "Best Regards", followed by your name.

Aim for a cover letter that is no longer than one page and focuses on your most relevant experiences.

Now that we've covered the key components of writing a cover letter for a project manager position, let's take a look at some examples to better understand how to apply these principles effectively.

This cover letter example is effective for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates specificity by mentioning where the job was found, indicating a tailored approach to the application.

Secondly, the candidate provides quantifiable achievements, which adds credibility to their qualifications. Finally, the cover letter ends with a strong call to action, expressing the applicant's eagerness to discuss their background in further detail, which encourages the hiring manager to schedule an interview.

This cover letter lacks specificity as it doesn't mention the company or job name, indicating a lack of effort in tailoring the application to the posting.

The letter is extremely brief and voids of substance, giving the impression that it was hastily written and does not reflect a genuine interest in the position. Overall, it fails to make a compelling case for why the candidate is a good choice.

Entry-level project manager cover letter example

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Entry-Level Project Manager position at Zenith, as advertised on LinkedIn. As a recent graduate with a degree in Business Administration from UCLA and a strong passion for project management, I am eager to gain valuable experience in the field.

During my studies, I participated in a university project at UCLA that involved applying management methodologies to solve real-world business challenges. Working collaboratively with fellow students, we developed comprehensive project plans, identified scope, allocated resources, and managed timelines to achieve objectives. This experience honed my skills in project planning, organization, and communication, providing me with an invaluable hands-on background in project management.

I am particularly drawn to Zenith's reputation for innovation and commitment to excellence. I am excited about the opportunity to learn and grow with your organization and contribute to the success of your projects.

Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of joining your company and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience. For more information, please find attached my resume.

Sincerely,

Enriqueta J. Cason

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Proofread

The primary purpose of proofreading project management resume is to identify and correct errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax. By eliminating these mistakes, you ensure that your writing is clear, professional, and easy to understand.

This is especially important in business communication where accuracy and clarity are essential.

Conclusion

Management must manage!

Harold Geneen

In conclusion, writing a project manager resume requires careful attention to detail, strategic planning, and effective communication of your skills and experiences.

By following the guidelines outlined in this article, including formatting tips, organizing your experience, and highlighting relevant skills, you can create a project management resume that stands out to HR and showcases your qualifications for the job.

Additionally, leveraging tools like Resume Trick can streamline the process and provide valuable resources, such as project manager resume templates, examples, and cover letter builder, to help you craft a polished and professional application.

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